Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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32. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland. [27040/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I attended the Summit on Peace in Ukraine hosted by Switzerland on 15/16 June, together with over 50 other world leaders and over 100 countries and international organisations.

The Summit agreed a joint Communiqué, signed by most countries participating, which makes clear that any just and lasting peace must be based on the principles of the UN Charter, respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.

The Summit also agreed a path for follow up on areas where there is broad agreement, including food security, nuclear safety, and the return of prisoners, children and civilians.

I participated in a roundtable discussion on humanitarian issues, especially the appalling and unacceptable removal by Russia of thousands of Ukrainian children from their homes and families.

This is a war-crime and they must be returned home immediately.

While there was a very large turnout at the Summit, there were notable absences from parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and not all attending opted to join the Communiqué.

We need to continue reach out to the global south, in particular, to increase understanding of the fundamental principles at stake.

If Russia’s invasion is allowed to stand, then none of us can rely on the basic commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty promised in the UN Charter.

In the EU, we must be clear that we will be resolute, and that we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

At the Summit, I also met bilaterally with other Leaders, including President Boriç of Chile and Prime Minister Frieden of Luxembourg.

My many informal engagements included Vice President Harris of the United States, British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Zamora of Andorra.